8.5 Polite requests

～てくれますか — direct but polite request

～てくれますか is a straightforward polite request. It directly asks whether the other person will do something for you.

Structure:

Verb（～て）＋ くれますか

～てくれませんか — softer polite request

～てくれませんか uses a negative question, which makes the request sound gentler and less demanding.

～てもらえますか — indirect and neutral

～てもらえますか focuses on you receiving the favor, not on the other person doing it. This makes the request sound more indirect.

～てもらえませんか — even softer

Using the negative form makes it sound even gentler.

～ていただけませんか — very polite and humble

～ていただけませんか is the most polite form here. It uses the humble verb いただく.

This is used in:

• Business
• Customer service
• Formal situations

Casual alternatives

In casual speech, shorter forms are used.

～てくれる？

～てもらえる？

Both are friendly and informal.

Politeness overview

Points to keep in mind

• All forms mean “please do … for me”
• The rule of thumb is, the longer the expression, the more polite it is
• When unsure, ～てもらえますか is a safe default